The Things Worth Fighting For

I decided to put up my hand as a representative of the residents of Springwood because I wanted to make sure that families in my neighbourhood had good schools and hospitals, that they have access to more teachers and nurses and that the State’s growing economy was good for everyone, not just a few.

After the chaos of the previous Government I wanted to play a role in revitalising frontline services and restoring fairness. I wasn’t about to let the State be run by someone like the Member for Clayfield.

I see my job as making sure that government delivers what our community deserves.

Mr Speaker, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for the people of Queensland.

We have delivered 1990 more teachers so our kids get a better education, 2390 more nurses so every family can rely on a decent health system.

The proposed redistribution released last week has shifted the southern and northern boundaries of my electorate.

Mr Speaker it will be a shame to no longer be the representative of those areas that will be moved in the redistribution. But I will continue to fight for those people.

I have strong relationships with people in those neighbourhoods. They are my friends who’s kids go Shailer Park state School, who play golf at Riverlakes and run their business out of the Chetwynd Street industrial areas.

But redistributions are an important part of our democratic system. Making sure that we have system that reflects one vote, one value, determined by an independent umpire is a strength of our democracy.

My father taught me many important things – but mostly that when you do a job, you roll up your sleeves and you work hard and I’m looking forward to working hard with the people of Sheldon and Mount Cotton to help build a better state. And this work is already happening.

Last week I hosted a construction industry meeting at Fitzys Loganholme, with over 150 attendees, many of whom are small business owners in the new parts of Springwood.

Families in Sheldon and Mount Cotton want the same thing as families in Shailer Park or Rochedale.

They want to know that I’m going to listen to them and stand up for them and deliver reforms that mean they don’t get ripped off and they don’t have to wait months to be paid.

I’m determined to bring security to families through my security of payment reforms. I am absolutely focussed on delivering a housing strategy that makes renting fairer.

I am passionate about making sport accessible for families, regardless of their abilities, their location or how much they earn.

And I am still dedicated, one hundred percent, to great schools with lots of great teachers, quality healthcare backed in by health professionals and services that we can all rely on.

I look forward to getting to know the new constituents of Springwood, and working hard, as I always have, to earn their votes.